FOLEY, Ala. — Officials at Hobby Lobby announced this week that they have signed a lease to open a store in Foley.

Construction recently started on the 55,000-square-foot building that will be housed at 3165 S. McKenzie St. in McKenzie Village, between Lowe’s and El Paso Mexican Grill.

As previously reported, in February developers at Burton Property Group announced the project.

Officials added that construction was set to coincide with that announcement. However, it was slightly delayed due to rain.

“We are just getting started on the construction of the Foley Hobby Lobby,” said Grand Opening Coordinator Susan Bailey. “No projected opening date has yet been announced.”

The new store is set to bring 35-50 jobs community paying $15 per hour for full time and $10 per hour for part-time associates.

“Hiring will begin approximately six weeks before the opening date,” Bailey said.

Hobby Lobby currently has 18 stores in the state.

“Each new Hobby Lobby location enables us to become an integral part of the community by contributing to increased foot traffic, generating sales tax, and adding new jobs, while sharing in the growth of both the state and the city,” said John Schumacher, assistant vice president of advertising at Hobby Lobby.

Thes major Oklahoma City-based private corporation offers more than 70,000 crafting and home decor products in its stores in departments including crafts, wearable art, home accents, frames, jewelry, hobby, papercrafting and scrapbooking, fabric, art supply, seasonal, party supply, floral and needle art.

“The success of our stores in Alabama is a good indicator that Foley area shoppers will be pleased with the quality, selection and value we offer in the craft and home decor market,” Schumacher said. “New customers and customers already familiar with the Hobby Lobby shopping experience are greatly anticipating this store opening.”